this just in: budget travel's blog

If you're under the age of 30 and have a few months free, we've got the inside scoop on how you can study, intern, volunteer, take a gap year, or work your way around Australia. The secret: Australia's Working Holiday Visa.

Though English is still the de facto language of business, commerce, and tourism, Hawaiian words are often interspersed in everyday conversation—so much so that you’re sure to hear a few while enjoying your Hawaiian vacation.

feature stories

Looking for a funky and unique vacation rental? Just in time for the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, these amazing homes will make you feel as if you're visiting J.R.R. Tolkien's world!

From Cape Cod to the Great Lakes, from Southern California to the Gulf of Mexico, America’s beaches stay open long after the summer crowds have gone home. It’s the same sun and surf—oh, except that you've got some elbow room and hotel rates have come back down to earth!

Even the dreamiest of trips can go off the rails when you fall into one of these all-too-common travel traps. We've been there—and we've brought back advice on foolproof booking, smart sightseeing, and making the most of every minute.

Think dream trips like Europe and Hawaii are totally out of reach? You'd be surprised how many affordable packages are out there to help. Here's our ultimate list of dream trip adventures—plus, the travel deals to help you get on your way.

Sure, the city of canals is filled with fancy, creative, and unique restaurants. Translation? Watch your wallet! Here, the author of the best-selling Eat Venice app shares the locals-only lowdown on where you'll eat extremely well—and affordably!—in between gondola rides. PLUS: An easy recipe that lets you bring a taste of Venice to your kitchen any time!

From the beaches of Florida to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii—not to mention secret islands that stay warm all year—America is second to none for winter fun. Here, some of our favorite places to warm up or get your ski on—all at a price you can actually afford!

From drive-up volcanoes in Hawaii to the ones that once toppled entire civilizations in Italy and Greece, you won't want to miss these visitor-friendly volcanoes and the chance to hike up--or inside--these magnificent forces of nature.

Staying in a hotel is supposed to be a treat, not a waking nightmare of unanswered complaints and shabby surroundings. These 10 signs are early warnings that you may have checked into Hotel Hell. Notice one or more of the problems here? You might want to spend your money elsewhere—and we'll show you how to make a drama-free escape should you need to.

There's more to Europe than winding city streets, vibrant cafés, and beautiful museums! The continent abounds with rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and secluded beaches to gallop—including some of the world's premiere parks and wildlife habitats.

We can pretty much guarantee that at least one of these beautiful, inviting cities is just a drive away. America's surprising state capitals are a truly varied bunch of burghs, but they have a few awesome things in common, including great cuisine, art, history, and four seasons of outdoor activities.

Sure, the U.S. is home to spacious skies and shining seas, but it also boasts some of the world's most gorgeous cities. From New England to the Hawaiian Islands, we celebrate the stylish, vibrant, and always surprising metropolises that are the most beautiful in America!

Glaciers in Alaska! The glittering capitals of the Mediterranean! The Caribbean’s most alluring islands! A new generation of mega-ship—and industry-wide price wars—are making these and other dream cruises more affordable than ever before.

The high cost of a dream cruise vacation can leave you feeling a little queasy before you even set sail. (And let's not mention the add-ons!) Here, our Trip Coach's sage advice about how to save big before boarding.

vacation inspiration

Have you taken that one perfect trip, the one that was just so epic you can't stop talking about it? We put this question out there, and the answers were inspiring. Here are 26 amazing vacations that will have you booking a plane ticket—today.

vacation ideas

What’s your favorite beach? We’ve obsessed over that topic for weeks to deliver the tastiest waves, loveliest sand, and balmiest breezes from New England to Hawaii. But of course we couldn’t stop there: Each of these 10 must-see beaches comes with a great hotel pick that won’t break the bank! Happy summer!

budget travel app

Budget Travel Ultimate Road Trips is an easy, hit-the-road travel guide to more than 75 Great American Drives. From warm beaches to winding country roads, from mountain lakes to big-city style, we give you travel-ready GPS maps and the best places to eat, see, and stay along the way!

more feature stories

Here are the 10 best budget destinations for 2015. From high style and world-class shopping to jaw-dropping scenery and unrivaled art, culture, and food, these are the places everyone will be talking about this year—and they are all within the reach of Budget Travelers!

Recent Features

From Cape Cod to the Great Lakes, from Southern California to the Gulf of Mexico, America’s beaches stay open long after the summer crowds have gone home. It’s the same sun and surf—oh, except that you've got some elbow room and hotel rates have come back down to earth!